Here’s one great way to make your ice cream snacking habit more filling… eat it with bread! Said to be the second best-selling ice cream novelty in America, ice cream sandwiches are made from a layer of ice cream sandwiched between two slices of bread.
There were no official accounts as to who invented this delectable treat, but one of the earliest stories was that back in 1899, a pushcart salesman in New York made ice cream sandwiches by hand and sold it through their cart during the summer.
In the 1940s, Jeremy Newberg, an ice cream vendor at a baseball stadium is given credit to have invented the modern-day version, which is made from a block of vanilla ice cream in the middle of two chocolate wafers. However, in an interview, his grandson Matt revealed that though they were not sure if his grandfather really invented this treat, he cited the elder to be one of the inventors on Wikipedia as his way of paying tribute.
Ice Cream Sandwich Trivia
- August 2nd is the National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. This is a separate occasion from the National Ice Cream Day, which is every third Sunday of July and the National Ice Cream Month every July! More reasons to bring out the ice cream and its variations!
- The first ice cream sandwich used sponge cake!
- Every country has their own version of the ice cream sandwich. In Iran it is called bastani-e nooni, and it is made from saffron and rosewater ice cream between two wafers, and then dipped in pistachios. Philippines and Vietnam made it as a real sandwich, with ice cream stuffed in the middle of a sliced bun-like bread. Vietnam calls it bánh mì kẹp kem, and topped it with crushed peanuts. Israel calls their version kasata, while Ireland calls them
- The ice cream sandwich was such a big hit in America that there were facts saying that the Eastern Seaboard of the country eats almost 50% or half of the whole country’s consumption of this dessert. Another factoid says that 48 is the average number of ice cream sandwiches eaten per second in the U.S.
Ice Cream Sandwich Buying Guide
Ice cream sandwiches are pretty much available anywhere, with numerous brands of these frozen treats being sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. In other countries, the ice cream sandwiches are being sold as a street food novelty! It is the perfect summer snack, and records say that most ice cream sandwiches are consumed in July, while it is the least consumed in December.
Looking at its history, this dessert started out as a treat for the masses as these were just sold for about a penny a piece, or a nickel apiece. But high-end restaurants caught on to this tasty confection and made their fancier, and of course, more expensive, versions.
Ice Cream Sandwich Production & Farming in Texas
Ice cream sandwiches are one of the easiest treats to crave for, even in Texas! Aside from the store-bought options, many bakeries, dessert shops, donut shops, and restaurants serve their own take of this creamy and filling confection.
Though ice cream and ice cream sandwich chains have established their branches in the state, local store owners have also joined the fray to serve the market home-grown ice cream sandwich creations! Artisan ice cream makers also sell these sandwiches as other snack variations for their product.
Preservatives, Additives, and Chemicals
There were several viral posts on the Internet about ice cream sandwiches that do not melt even after being exposed to the sun for several days. Makers of these sandwiches explained that they used commonly-used food techniques, as well as thickeners, emulsifiers, or stabilizers that are generally recognized as safe to slow the melting process and prevent the ice cream sandwich from falling apart.
Artisan made ice creams and breads usually don’t contain any preservatives or additives. But when buying commercially-made and mass-produced ice cream sandwiches, it would be better to check the label for any unknown or uncommon listings in its ingredients. Though these ingredients may be recognized as safe, it is still the consumers prerogative if they are willing to consume stuff with these substances. And as we would always say, better to eat things wholesome, or consume while practicing moderation.
Packaging
Freshly made ice cream sandwiches are usually served wrapped in wax paper and carton bowls or placed straight to small plates and bowls. For commercially sold ice cream sandwiches, these can be packed in sealed plastic sleeves, lined boxes, and transparent clamshell plastic containers to keep the contents fresh.
Enjoying Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches can have so many variations: from the ice cream flavors and combinations to the types of bread like sponge cakes, brownies, cookies, biscuits, wafers and even donuts, Twinkies and rice crispies! Freshly baked pastries that are still warm best complement the ice cream!
The ice cream sandwich can also be enhanced with garnish of your choice: top them with crushed peanuts, chocolate chips or chunks, sprinkles, or dessert sauces!
Grab these ice cream sandwiches to go for a quick snack break. Or have them as a dessert while hanging out with friends and family.
Storage:
It is recommended that the sandwiches be frozen until firm, and wrapped individually in wax paper and airtight containers to help preserve their shape.
Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich
You may go fully homemade by personally baking the bread of your choice and churning your ice cream, or buy the components and assemble them to your preference, just like TV personality, Ree Drummond or The Pioneer Woman.
Ingredients:
- At least 2 cookies (store-bought or home-baked)
- Vanilla ice cream (or any other flavor you prefer)
Instructions:
- Prepare a baking sheet or pan lined with wax paper.
- Add the ice cream to one of the pans and spread it evenly. Freeze this for at least 1 ½ hours or up to overnight.
- Bake your cookies, or prepare your store-bought ones. Make sure you pair together the similarly sized cookies.
- Cut out the ice cream. You may use a cookie cutter so it can be the same shape and size as your cookie.
- Place the ice cream on top of one of the cookies, then stack the second cookie on top! It is better to put your assembled sandwiches back in the freezer and not let them melt outside while preparing your other sandwiches.
- You may add sprinkles or other extra toppings after the assembled ice cream sandwich has set in the freezer for a bit.
